Join Women in Leisure Services (WILS) Chi Chapter for a day of education, leadership, lunch and networking! CEUs have been approved by the Illinois Park & Recreation Association for this event and are available for purchase.

Registration is closed and refund requests can no longer be accepted.  If you cannot attend, we are happy to transfer your registration to a friend/colleague. Thank you!

Registration deadline: March 21, 2025

Conference Schedule

8:45-9:15am Registration & Breakfast - Fruit, yogurt, coffee & tea 

9:15-9:30am Welcome - Alisa Kapusinski - WILS Chi President 2024-2025 - with special appearance from Gold Sponsor - Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc.

9:30-10:30am Opening Session: Bravery on the Glass Cliff: Navigating Unwinnable Leadership Challenges - Debbie Trueblood - Lead Consultant, Association Management Center

10:30-10:45am Break

10:45-11:45am Breakout Session 1

• Session A:  Breaking Barriers, Building Rapport, and Boosting Success: Creating a Positive Workplace Culture

  • Dani Hoefle - Superintendent of Parks, Buffalo Grove Park District

• Session B: Bridging Generations: Customer Service Excellence

  • Katy McKinnon - Division Manager of Recreation Facilities, Elmhurst Park District

  • Katie Manheim - Program Manager, Lombard Park District

11:45am-12:15pm Mini Session with Platinum Sponsor - Perry Weather

12:15-1:00pm Lunch, Networking, Raffles

• Lunch includes an assortment of wraps and soups, paired with house chips and sodas

1:00-2:00pm Breakout Session 2

• Session A: Leadership Lessons by Ted Lasso

  • Lisa Swan - Cultural Arts Coordinator, Palatine Park District

  • Cheryl Lufitz - Communications and Marketing Manager, Palatine Park District

• Session B: Marketing: Taylor's Version

  • Deanna Angelini Johann - Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Gurnee Park District

  • Cassidy Reinhard - Marketing Specialist, Glenview Park District

  • Skylar Greenberg - Graphic Design & Media Specialist, Winnetka Park District

2:00-2:15pm Dessert, Coffee & Tea Break

2:15-3:15pm Closing Session: Embrace Your Power as a Woman in Leadership - Mary Beth Canty - Illinois State Representative, 54th District

3:15pm Social Hour at Villa Olivia - one drink ticket included with registration!

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